Anyone use or try electronic cigarette?

[simplechamp]

So I've been struggling with the whole quitting smoking thing for years now. Started smoking when I was 17 and am turning 25 this month, so about 8 years (luckily that's relatively short compared to some). Tried cold turkey, gum, etc. and I usually make it a week or so but always go back. Anyway, the final straw was on May 1st Michigan went to a smoke-free policy in all bars, restaurants, and other indoor venues. I decided it's time to give it another shot.

Not so coincidentally a little shop opened up in my town selling those electric cigs not too long ago. It caught my attention driving by one day so I went in and asked a few questions, then went home to do some research. Basically, the electronic cigs are a battery (li-ion) and a little atomizer coil that heats up. It heats up and vaporizes propylene glycol (infused with nicotine and flavor) that is in a little cartridge. The cartridge contains some type of foam or batting that acts as a wick and keeps the PG from dripping out.

So I decided what the heck, what do I have to lose, and picked up a kit. I have to say so far I'm impressed. It definitely IS NOT the same as smoking real cigarettes, but is about as close as you can get. The taste isn't very close, but the tactile feel of dragging on it and feel of inhaling is pretty darn close. I haven't had a real cig since I bought the electronic one 5 days ago, which is not such a big deal, but the bigger deal is I haven't even WANTED a real cig. Like I said I've went a week or even longer on previous quit attempts, but I was craving cigs badly the whole time until I finally gave in, now I'm not at all.

My limited experience so far has been pretty encouraging. I know it's just substituting one method of getting nicotine for another, but at least the smoke and tar and other thousands of chemicals are gone, and I don't smell like an ashtray. The goal is to hopefully wean down off this over the next few months, as they make the little refill carts in different strengths, all the way down to no nicotine at all. Cost wise the e-cig is far cheaper than regular cigs, less than half the cost for the equivalent of a pack.

So we'll see what happens over the next few weeks. I'll report back after I've tried it for longer. Anyone else who has experience with these please share your experience or opinions.

P.S. I won't recommend anyone try these electronic cigs. There are still potential health issues related to nicotine even without the smoke. And there is some debate as to whether these electronic cigs are safe or not (and yes, propylene glycol is in antifreeze, but it's not the chemical that makes antifreeze dangerous when ingested). These e-cigs have not yet been evaluated or approved as a smoking cessation aid. Don't take this post as a suggestion to try these, make all decisions based on what you feel is safest for your own health.

[George16]

I smoked for almost 20 years. I quit cold turkey 10 years ago and never went back. The biggest thing I had to do was to change my lifestyle. I wrote down the reasons on what made me like smoking, what the benefits and consequences are. I always noticed that I smoked immediately after eating, when I'm not doing anything, and when I'm stress-out. Knowing these made it a lot easier for me to quit. I'm glad Michigan did banned smoking in public areas. At least, I don't have to worry about second-hand smoke when I go to restaurants when I go visit my parents.

Aside from the health benefits I got, I also invested the amount of money I would have spent on cigarettes and drinking every month. I am very happy of the outcome.

By the way, I currently work as as Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (5 years now) in the Navy even though my primary specialty is engineering.

[shaunjohnson]

i dont smoke...
but a mate of mine does on and off...
he said one day while we were racing..."man i really need to give up smoking again, the last time i did it, LOOK! NEW CAR!" *points to his brand new VW golf he "bought" from the money he would have spend on cigs*
was the funniest thing i heard all week! even if it was a joke.

i like the idea of this electric cig thing, not that i smoke but it sounds like a good idea. at least that way if you are addicted and find it hard, these wont kill you in the long run by the sounds of it. i lost my pop (umm...pop...uncle? relative, we use pop in australia to describe grandfather i think) to smoking.

shaun

[TexasSP]

Originally Posted by George16

The biggest thing I had to do was to change my lifestyle. I wrote down the reasons on what made me like smoking, what the benefits and consequences are. I always noticed that I smoked immediately after eating, when I'm not doing anything, and when I'm stress-out. Knowing these made it a lot easier for me to quit.

I smoked for 12 years. Started at 14 and quit at 26. Best thing I ever did. I went cold turkey the final time as well. I had tried unsuccessfully to quit many times before.

Lifestyle change was the key, changing patterns and what not. It was mostly mental, mind of matter. I was so used to what I did as a pattern, smoking on breaks with people at work, after meals, when I was bored, yada yada. You also have to break away from others that smoke, just like quitting any drug. It's funny now because the smell of any cigarette smoke nauseates me.

I think the gum, patches, etcetera are great way for companies to make money but do little to actually help people quit. Nicotine is like any drug, there is a huge psychological component to quitting and no amount of "safe" substitutes can overcome that.

The biggest thing I did my final time was to decide that there were not any reasons for me to ever start again, period.

It's one of the best things I have ever chosen to do. Good luck with quitting yourself.

[ClodMaxx]

i've been smoking a bit over a pack a day for 15 years plus. i've tried it all - patches etc., and yes - you have to make your mind up for anything to work.

but - a few co-workers have tried the ecigarette's and i just ordered a starter pack this past friday. they all rave about it, and it seems to fill the hand-to-mouth bill that nicotine patches don't have.

i ordered mine from vapor4life. one person i work with has that one, and another one has the greensmoke ecigs. vapor4life is about half the cost, and you get a lot more in the starter package.

i'm waiting for about 5 packs of my 'analogs' to run out and will anxiously try the new ecigs! i painfully felt the new michigan law this past weekend at a bar... it'll be great to 'smoke' anywhere i want with these. even sitting at my desk here at work.

[josh9mille]

I took a few puffs from an e-ciggy and was really impressed with how much it is like smoking. it even has the "burn" like inhaling smoke from a cancer stick. I started smoking when i was 19 and im 35 now. I found an almost full pack of marbs in my appartment after a party so i smoked it.........kinda wish i never would have found that pack now.

[ClodMaxx]

i think the fact that they 'crackle' when puffed, and the light-up end is hilarious! def. adds to the realism.

NY is trying to get e-smokes banned. it may have already been done. that specific alcohol i believe is in fog machines too... so a lot would have to be regulated if this does become legit, lol. there's a vegetable-based alcohol variant, too. the e-smoke companies are trying to align themselves somewhere in the gray legal matter - they don't want themselves to be considered smoke-cessation devices, as that would make them regulated by the FDA. and they aren't cigarettes, because there is no tobacco. i'm sure the gov't will find some way to tax and/or regulate them. banning just doesn't seem right, as they do help eliminate the tar (and cancerous) materials for smokers.

[Bondonutz]

One bad habit I'm glad I don't have !

A good friend of mine a 30yr+ smoker tried hypnosis and it worked like charm !
He's ben ciggy free for 5yrs now.

[simplechamp]

ClodMaxx: The two substances you are referring to are propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin. Those are the base substances they use and then add nicotine and flavorings. I don't think they are alcohols, but could be chemically similar. Have to ask a chemist! The propylene glycol is the same stuff they use in those party fog machines. Both the PG and VG are used in all kinds of different products, including foods.

I was reading a bit about the New York legislation. Apparently their issues are that they are unregulated ingredients (but I guess real cigs are fine, as long as you know exactly how many deadly chemicals are in it), they are targeted to minors, and they are marketed as smoking cessation products without being approved for such purposes.

[shaunjohnson]

Originally Posted by Bondonutz

A good friend of mine a 30yr+ smoker tried hypnosis and it worked like charm !
He's ben ciggy free for 5yrs now.

i dont understand hypnosis or how the heck it can work but if it does, that's epic!

cant belive what clodmaxx said about trying to ban/tax the E-cigs.
they are slowly banning cigs here in aus but they will never totaly wipe them out, the gov't gets too much money from them!!

[redshift]

As for NY's smoking laws, it's all about revenue, of course. We instated the ban in bars 4 or 5 years ago. Many bars just set up 'fine jars' so their patrons could continue to smoke, and pay the fine with that $. What amazes me is how few people notice how the 'state' talks out of both sides of it's mouth. On one hand they demonize it and "want to help you quit!" and on the other it generates HUGE amounts of tax revenue. So ya think they want to help you quit? Really? This kind of doublespeak drives me up the wall. Very effective on most people however. I don't care either way really as I'm not a barfly, but NY needs to get it's finger out of my @ss.

What a joke.

[JThiessen]

Originally Posted by redshift

As for NY's smoking laws, it's all about revenue, of course. We instated the ban in bars 4 or 5 years ago. Many bars just set up 'fine jars' so their patrons could continue to smoke, and pay the fine with that $. What amazes me is how few people notice how the 'state' talks out of both sides of it's mouth. On one hand they demonize it and "want to help you quit!" and on the other it generates HUGE amounts of tax revenue. So ya think they want to help you quit? Really? This kind of doublespeak drives me up the wall. Very effective on most people however. I don't care either way really as I'm not a barfly, but NY needs to get it's finger out of my @ss.

What a joke.

Ah, yes, the ever popular sin tax. WA state is now taxing softdrinks, Major Label beers, and other fine items, in addition to a 1$ a pack/can increase on tobacco (was already about 3 bucks a pop).

I chew and smoke. I'm screwed....but I order mine from one of your fine indian tribes in NY. But that also will soon be coming to an end, once they pass the ban on interstate mailing of tobacco products.

[RC-Monster Mike]

I smoked for 20+ years myself - I quit(finally for good) last summer. I agree with the other quitters here on most counts. I "quit" a few times over the years - I used to say " quitting smoking is easy - I have done it about 10 times!". I am pretty determined this time. The most important thing is your mindset - you have to really WANT to quit. The truth is, I enjoyed smoking for the most part. I didn't necessarily like the smell it left on my clothes, or my breathe, etc., and especially hated the cost (In NY, taxes is the bulk of it), but the actual act of smoking was enjoyable and relaxing(in stressful situations, I smoked a lot). I smoked about a pack a day and after all the years, I simply became unhappy with my fitness level, the never-ending cost spikes and the fact that I ain't getting any younger. I also lost both grandfathers to cancer and my mom had cancer when I was a kid - the urge to be cool when I was a young teenager was what drove me to smoking. Like everyone else in my position, I look back and wonder why I made such a bad decision to start smoking in the first place! When I decided to quit, I was committed to quitting - for me(not for my nagging girlfriend, or concerned buddy - I had to make the conscious decision for my own reasons). I also made some lifestyle changes, as well as being acutely aware of the times I was "most likely to smoke" (long drives in the car, stressful situations, immediately after a meal or after sex, etc.). I also decided to get back into working out/exercising - I decided to ride my bicycle initially - I comitted to riding every day it didn't rain when I first quit (If I felt like having a smoke, I rode my bike). Nothing like a steep hill on a bike to remind you in a hurry how much smoking diminishes the lung capacity! The 1st month was pretty tough(1st 2 weeks especially), but I kept riding when I wanted a smoke, and held my course - been about 8 months or so since I quit now, and my biking has turned into biking and/or working out - I am good for about an hour a day 5-6 days a week(this is much needed for me, as I either sit in front of the computer or stand in front of the machine otherwise, so activity is what the doctor ordered). When I first started, i would ride for about 4-5 miles on my bike and could average about 11-13mph average speed - I now average about 15-16 or so miles on the days I ride, and maintain an average speed of 15-18mph, depending on the route I take(my lung capacity improved immensely within the 1st couple months of quitting). I feel much better now, and save an extra $50 or so each week that I don't spend on smokes(good thing in this economy, too). I still get the urge occasionally to be honest - but I know if I ever decide to "just have one smoke" that it will ultimately lead to becoming a smoker again, as it has several times in the past(yes, I had quite a couple times before, though usually only for a few months at a time). Smoking is one of those things I just wish I never started - I am glad I quit and don't plan on ever smoking again, but if I never started in the 1st place, I wouldn't ever miss it!

[Gee]

Good topic. Brothers good me started 30+ years ago. Was up to a pack and a half a day. I just quit two weeks ago but....... I bought another pack last night. Pretty much gave up drinking but last night had a couple drinks with a friend and he had a pack on him and well you know the rest. The pack I bought is now in the toilet and I am ready for round two of quiting again. Feel guilty about buying the pack but realize there will be slips on occasion and I am telling myself last night was the last slip. Like Mike I found excersise to be an aide. I get up and head for a walk first thing in the morning (sometimes without an RC in tow) instead of reaching for the smokes, after eating I go for a walk or believe it or not do dishes. Just something besides sitting. Sitting down at the PC was also a reach for the smokes so now I reach for the bowl of Jolly Ranchers instead. Life style change is a definate need. Motivation is to live longer and healthier, hopefully it will add some years to my life. I am sure everyone at one time said that they will be lucky to live until they are 30 (or some age) so we burned the candle at both ends then shit next thing you know you are 40 and you start thinking more about your own mortality and the golden years coming up. Smokes are 7.00 dollars a pack in my neck of the woods and when I started they were .75 cents. Hate to do the math and figure how much money that would of been in my pocket. Probably several VWs, a Gulf Airstream and one hell of a nice rc collection. Drinking and boredom are my stay away froms for stopping smoking. Waiting for something would cause me to light up one after the other. In just the couple of weeks I had stopped it help my lung capicity and maybe more important in ways my selfesteem. The cravings (or triggers) weren't as strong and I definately was feeling better in just that short of time. I loved that comercial they use to have about the # of times (on average) that it takes a smoker to stop smoking before they quit ofr good. They related it to someone jumping out of a plane with no parachute. Thud they hit the ground but they got up and did it again. This is the second time I have ever seriously tried to stop but it is the first time I really wanted to stop. The first attempt wasn't for me. This time it's for me (and to have more time with the ones I love) and no one else but the outcome will benifit those around. Been using the gum to curb the nicotine withdrawl and was down to maybe one or two pieces a day. Back on the wagon for me.

I thought about the electric smokes but that would be trading one habit for another I my mind so it's time to put the will power to the real test and give it up completely. It's good to hear from you guys that have quit thanks for the input and your stories. It helps those of use trying. Just one more reason this forum is the best around.

[JThiessen]

Just want to add a congrat's to those of you who have managed to quit. II'd be that if any of us had actually known how hard it would be to quit, we wouldn't have started.
Back in my late 20's and early 30's I tried to quit chewing (its my real habit, the smoking I could probably give up if I actaully got around to choosing to - I only do about 3 or 4 a day). What killed me was that I would wake up after 3 or 4 hours of sleep, and be wide stinkin' awake.

PS. I used that new quitting drug that came out a couple years ago, and I thought it actually helped. I quit for a year, but unfortunately, didn't holdon.